Gail McNally Highly Commended in Yooralla’s Leadership Award 2021

Gail McNally, Service Manager RRSS, Home and Living, Outer South and Gippsland Region has recently been highly commended in Yooralla’s 2021 Leadership Award.

Gail manages three services and leads by example, promoting authenticity, respect and accountability.

The Leadership Award is for an individual employee who has excelled in people leadership; led the organisation through change; and executed their role by driving their own individual performance and expertise.

Nothing about me, without me

Gail was humbled to be nominated and highly commended.

“It was certainly not something that I would have expected. I am just doing my job. I am really proud of my teams and the work that they do to support the customers,” said Gail.

Gail was nominated by Group Manager RRSS, Home and Living, Outer South and Gippsland Region, Mardi Obucina who has been impressed with Gail’s capacity to implement Yooralla’s person-centred values, where disability support is guided by a ‘nothing about me, without me’ approach.

“Gail never leaves a stone unturned and will empower customers,” said Mardi.

Her nomination was supported by Rachael Short, Donna Bartram and Glen Gould. Staff say that Gail is inspirational, has a strong work ethic, is very approachable and is always focused on the customers.

“She always has time for the customers as well as the staff and strives to get the best possible outcomes for everyone,” said Rachael.

Approachable and ethical

Gail has her office desk in the living area of all the houses, so she can provide practice leadership and engage with customers at any time. Over the last twelve months she has kept agency usage at nil. This prioritises customer safety as they are supported by staff who know them. Lead Support, Donna Bartram notices that Gail always makes herself available to customers and staff.

“Gail has a very high standard of work ethics, which gets passed onto myself as well as the other staff,” said Donna.

Gail recognises that a leader is only as good as the teams that they lead.

“I am very fortunate to work with a very dedicated group of people. I certainly could not do my job if they didn’t do theirs. This award is definitely a group effort,” said Gail.

Congratulations to Gail on being highly commended. Yooralla is grateful for your holistic approach to uphold customers’ rights.